Alkylation of phenol with anisole over zeolites or γ-alumina

The reaction of phenol with anisole was carried out over three X-, six Y-, a ZSM-5 and a ZSM-11 zeolites, and over γ-Al2O3, in a fixed-bed continuous reactor. Alkylation products were cresols (o>p>m), xylenols and methylanisoles; also some dealkylation of anisole to phenol occurred. Selectivity to cresols and xylenols in the range 45–60% and 25–30%, respectively, at anisole conversions of around 90%, were reached with HY and HNaY zeolites, and with γ-Al2O3, when operating over fresh catalysts. Alkylations were particularly ortho-selective over γ-Al2O3.